Advent in the mountains

An idyllic Christmas Market ensures perfect Christmas cheer

Customs and Traditions are still alive and well in the mountains throughout Advent, such as the traditional Krampus Run, where locals adorn hand-carved masks and fur-like costumes and accompany St. Nicholas on the run-up to Christmas. The preparing of the nativity scene with the figures and animals which have been lovingly crafted by hand. The Anglöckner, who go house to house spreading Christmas cheer and singing Christmas carols. The burning of incense is also a traditional custom that is carried out in the mountains during Advent. The Innergebirg Christmas Market is now as well-known as the market in Salzburg and is set amongst a wintry landscape infusing the Christmas spirit. Regional handicrafts can be purchased as well as numerous farmhouse delicacies such as bacon, honey, marmalade and schnapps.

Top 5 Offers for Advent in the Mountains

Advent Maria Kirchental

The stunning area just in front of the impressive pilgrim church of Maria Kirchental in St. Martin, Lofer has much to offer. Firstly, one must walk for approx. 45 minutes to the church which is nestled in the mountains and can only be reached by foot during the winter months.

The Advent market at the Pinzgauer Cathedral, as the pilgrimage church is affectionately known, is authentic, petite and charming. Homemade produce is on offer from the surrounding region, including culinary delights, pottery and handicrafts. One can join a guided tour of the church or attend one of the many concerts on offer.

The children excitedly write down their wishes which are put into Christmas baubles and then hung on the Christmas trees. Many of these wishes are fulfilled on Christmas Eve with the assistance of the local Lions Club. The icing on the cake is the possibility to toboggan back down to the car-park, making the visit to this Advent Market even more thrilling.

Salzburger Mountain Advent in Großarl

The pre-Christmas period is a time for contemplation at the Salzburger Mountain Advent in Großartal. In 30 small huts, handicrafts and specialities of the region are on offer. There is also a fun packed programme with singing and music. The village nativity scene with hand-carved life-size figures are lovingly laid into a total of 15 cribs. A Christmas bakery, Christmas workshops, storytelling and an angel’s post office ensure that even our smallest visitors are catered for.

Leisurely Advent Walk in Radstadt

Christmas in Radstadtis particularly peaceful. For three Saturdays in December, torches illuminate the 1.5-kilometre-long Christmas walking route with the longest Advent Calendar in Europe. You can walk from the Schwaiger chapel up to the Loreto Church, accompanied by the music of the “Weisenbläser” (brass band musicians). Here you can take a break to enjoy the choir singing Christmas carols accompanied by an organ and just in front of the church Max Steiner tells his beautiful fairy tales to children and their parents around a campfire. As you continue along the Kaiserpromenade there is a chance to warm up cold hands with a glass of hot punch whilst being serenaded by four Christmas carollers. Once back in the village, we recommend a visit to the Radstädter Adventzauber.

Christmas at Winterstellgut

The Winterstellgut lies high above the Annaberg-Lungötz at the foot of the Bischofsmütze mountain with the impressive backdrop of the Gosaukamm. You can leave your vehicle in the car parking area and join a free sleigh ride through the winter woodland to the Winterstellgut. The air is filled with Christmas music played by horn blowers and at the Advent market you can observe as craftsmen demonstrate their skills. At the market stands you will find items that have been knitted and carved as well as local pieces of pottery. Indulge in gastronomic delights such as chestnuts, glühwein and punch. For the little ones, there is a children’s programme with bread making, gingerbread decorating as well as storytelling around the campfire and a Christmas post box.

Alpine Advent in the City

You will also find Alpine Advent markets within the city with Christmas markets in the Hohensalzburg Fortress on the Mönchsberg and at the Franziskischlössl on the Kapuzinerberg. An insider tip is the Christmas market in the courtyard of the fortress Hohensalzburg. A sea of lights made up of Moravian stars provides an atmosphere filled with romance in the courtyard, where you browse amongst regional handicrafts to find that perfect Christmas present. Another unique feature is the view of the Salzburg Altstadt in all its festive glory.

At the Franziskischlössl, a castle on the Kapuzinerberg mountain in Salzburg, you will find an Advent market with stands brimming over with Christmas delicacies. Regional cuisine as well as crafts are on offer at this wonderful Christmas market. For convenience, there is a shuttle service taking visitors from the Linzer Gasse as well as the Kapuzinerkloster to this Advent market.